Explore the “fairy lake” in the Alps
The Karersee in the Alps was compared to “fairytales” by the traveler Trinh Nam Thai in early July. with sparkling crystal clear waters reflecting the surrounding sky and landscapes.
The Dolomites are located in north-eastern Italy in the provinces of South Tyrol and Trentino and are part of the famous Alps. They are characterized by a majestic and tranquil natural landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, as well as hiking trails between the mountains and, above all, the green Carezza lake.
Lake Carezza (or Karersee in German) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Dolomites and is considered one of the most beautiful natural alpine lakes in Italy.
Located at an altitude of over 1,500 m, the lake still impresses with its emerald green colour, surrounded by spruce trees and framed in the background by the high Dolomites.
The freshwater lake Karersee is “fairytale” beautiful. Visitors can admire the mirror that reflects the entire sky, but from other angles they can also see the bottom of the 22 meter deep lake.
Locals say that the lake is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the lake water is clear and the surrounding landscape glows in shades of yellow, red, and orange. Autumn also brings clear, fresh air. In summer, the lake water is full and shimmers in the sun, reflecting the sky and landscape. It is believed that the lake never dries up thanks to groundwater flowing from the top of the mountain.
“It’s the favorite lake of photographers in the world to create beautiful work,” said Thai.
According to Mr. Thai, access to Carezza is quite convenient. There is parking across the street from the lake so the walk doesn’t take long. Parking costs €1 per hour and the first 15 minutes are free. If you don’t have a car, many bus routes take you to the village. The busiest bus line departs from Vigo di Fassa, bus line 180 takes 30 minutes. From the Bozen bus stop, continue with line 180, you can reach Lake Carezza in about 55 minutes.
There is a hiking trail around the lake that takes about 20 minutes. The slopes of the Dolomites can also be reached via longer hiking trails, such as the Karersee-Weg, the historic Herrensteig, which leads from Welschnofen (Welschnofen) to the lake. This trail is 9 km long and it takes hikers about three hours to complete it.
At the lake, many tourists often take their children for a walk, take their pets with them, or ride bicycles.
Most of the hotels near the lake are expensive, around 200 euros and up, but the hotels around 20 km from the lake are half price, around 80 euros, large and spacious. “If your expectations aren’t high, there are plenty of cheaper hotels out there,” Thai added.
The Hotel Pietralba in the photo is 26 km from the lake, next to the church and overlooking part of the Dolomites.